[Mike Barrio]

I guess the last 12 months have seen all of us have a bit of a stop and a rethink .....

I've certainly noticed an increase in folk either taking up fishing, or returning to fishing 

But what about us fishers, what other hobbies have you been up to?

I have discovered that there is more to gardening than just cutting the grass    and I'm really enjoying it.

I've also dug out a couple of wee pond yachts, like I played with as a youngster. I'm busy giving them a refurb and looking forward to 'floating my boat' 

[Steven Kidd]

Mike,

That is a great project, reminds me of the repair shop, I really do love that program.

As for Lockdown, a major positive for me has been the re-introduction to the pastime of fishing, I fit firmly into that category and very thankful for it.  It has been great to connect with new and old friends and learn all about the new trends in fishing gear, alot has changed in 8 years.  I discovered glass rods!

My other hobby, (obsession) prior to lockdown was, (maybe still is, yet undecided)....competitive clay shooting, shooting a discipline the call FITASC, worth a google, anyway it is known as the ultimate shooting challenge and has international classification.  I made A class last year with an average of over 80%, quite proud of that.  But time and money catch up with you quick at that level and something had to give......

I reflected on this during lockdown and very pleased and content with re-discovering fishing, I get so much out of a day by the loch or river, it is a real bliss.  Add to that an interest in fly tying once again and I'm made up for hobbies.

Other interests include vintage dive watches, Clive Cussler novels and the odd cigar or pipe on a nice day!, 

Steven

[Mike Barrio]

Hi Steven

Googled the clay shooting, sounds like really competitive stuff 

Great that you're enjoying your fishing and fly tying again ..... long may it continue 

I think Iona has just about all the Clive Cussler books, but I haven't read any of them I'm afraid.

Cheers
Mike

[Duncan McRae]

Besides the fishing I really enjoy gardening , especially growing my own veg.
Finally managed to get my early tatties in the ground at the weekend.Four weeks later than last year
due to the bad weather!

Duncan

[Terry Coging]

Built a chicken house and duck house during lockdown. I also train regularly on my Cncept 2 indoor rower and Bike erg. Currently extending our courtyard  avec pond and fountain. ....don't tell the taxman that I have a fountain in the courtyard....

[Mike Barrio]

Hi Duncan

Great stuff, haven't tried any veg yet, unless you count Nasturtiums, but I might have a go at some strawberries.
I can see that doing things at the right time in the right place is going to be as tricky as it is on the Don ..... I've got some rather leggy seedlings to sort out 

Cheers
Mike

[Mike Barrio]

Chickens, ducks, pond ..... your plot sounds a bit bigger than my wee garden Terry 

I'll maybe pay you a visit when I finish the boat .........

[Hamish Young]

Gardening...... I think that I have developed more of an interest in our garden in the past 14 months than in the last ten years
Some major work done (two raised beds built, a significant log store extension, one new rockery etc) and more  work starting on making it a better space.
However, as I may have mentioned on Facebook, gardening in Scotland is for masochists..... much of the garden was badly frosted only a couple of weeks ago and that has taken its toll on some of my pet roses. Never mind, there's a garden centre 4 minutes walk from my front door 

I think working on the family cars has always been one of my  hobbies but this year I'm going to have a go at detailing them properly. Maybe not the insides.... but the outsides for sure.

Then again.... the steading needs a new roof, the house needs painted inside and out, I need to fit new gates at the front, finish the  work on the entrance (it's not really a driveway), finish chopping up the tree we just took down, fill the log stores before next winter, paint the fence and re-oil the decking. I don't think I have much time to go fishing  Yeah.... right 

[Mike Barrio]

Aye Hamish, all the new shoots on the Clematis and Hydrangeas that I planted last year have shrivelled up in the frost .... all good fun 

I actually read the instructions that came with my seeds, but they said sow in March, plant out in April 

Looking on the bright side, we painted the fence last month, so that's one job done.

[Hamish Young]

Alas my roses took the hammering in the late frosts this year Mr B, I suspect that a lot will be 'retired' earlier than planned 

Casting my mind forwards to the idea of building/buying some cloches for the Hydrangeas and other 'sensitive' things  that I've planted this 'spring' just in case the weather gives summer a miss and heads straight to autumn or winter 

[Mike Barrio]

Oh ..... and I forgot my ridge tents, doesn't look like this is going to be a year for camping under canvas either 

I'll maybe put them up in the garden  as I think campsites are probably gonna be busy this year!

[Mike Barrio]

The Hydrangeas seem to be doing their best to sprout a few new leaves now Hamish ..... fingers crossed 

[Duncan McRae]

Started collecting vintage JW Young's fly reels as a hobby a few years back but it got a bit out of control.
I've lost count of how many reels i have now so  i've decided to stay off ebay for the time being!

Here's a few of them




Duncan

[Mike Barrio]

Nice Duncan 
I know what you mean about Ebay 

[Mike Barrio]

Giving the extension some much needed fresh air ...... they do get a bit musty sitting in the bags 

[Kav Ring]

I'm a returning angler too! Original plan was sea fly fishing when I went to the coast to kitesurf (im landlocked in oxford) but Covid hit and couldn't travel. Now am hooked on chasing trout and getting inspired to go after wild browns in wales. Other hobbies are boardsports,  cooking and really keen on bread making and fermenting stuff.
Mike, I had some great nasturtium leaves in my farm shop salad this week!

[Mike Barrio]

Hi Kav

Great that you're enjoying your trout fishing 

I've not fished in Wales, but it certainly looks like there is some great water to explore!

Cheers
Mike

[Kav Ring]

Thanks Mike
Yeah really like the look of some of the upland Llyns and smaller streams. My bro was trout fishing the Loughor last night and got splashed by decent sized salmon-great to hear!!

[Ben Crichton]

I have a bag full of camera gear I'd love to use more of. Seem to spend all my time doing stuff to the house or chasing after our 3 year old son. Anyway can't talk, got a window to fit today. Joys if buying an old house!

[Mike Barrio]

Great stuff Ben, photography is good fun and there is so much to learn and experiment with 

Enjoy the DIY 

[Mike Barrio]

That's one of the pond yachts finished - must take it for a swim when the weather warms up